CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012) – The Charlotte Hounds today announced a trade that will upgrade their midfield unit, including the addition of a three-time MLL All-Star. The Hounds have sent attackman Jeremy Boltus and the 43rd pick in the 2013 Supplemental Draft to the Denver Outlaws in exchange for midfielders Peet Poillon and Casey Cittadino.

“This was a tough one,” said Hounds COO & Dir of Player Personnel Wade Leaphart. “We rolled the dice on Jeremy with our first overall selection in the 2012 Expansion Draft — and won. His contribution and dedication to the Hounds and his teammates this season is a reflection of what he does in real life. Just an all-around amazing person, inspiration and role model. Can’t say enough about the guy.”

Boltus, also a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army soon to be stationed in Colorado, played in 11 games for the Hounds before an ACL tear ended his year early. Even with a shortened season he finished third in each of the Hounds’ offensive categories, recording 17 goals (including one 2-pointer) and 12 assists for 30 points. Boltus also had a team-best shooting percentage (for players with at least 30 shots) of 39.5%.

“In the MLL, we have multiple factors to consider in player/personnel decisions and Tony (Seaman) and I are in a similar situation,” said Leaphart. “This deal made perfect sense, on and off the field. They’re getting a true Warrior in Boltus and we’re certainly excited to welcome Peet and Casey into the Hounds family. Those guys will play a huge role in our future success.”

Poillon is a three-time MLL All-Star who put up 24 goals (including three 2-pointers) and added 13 assists in 11 games for the Outlaws this season. The midfielder posted a shot percentage of 34.3% and his 40 points tied for second in the Outlaws offense. Cittadino, a seven-year MLL veteran, tallied two goals, four assists and added 12 groundballs for the Outlaws.

The Hounds, a 2012 expansion team, finished their inaugural season at 5-9 and sixth place in the league. Tickets for the 2013 season, which begins in April and includes the MLL All-Star Game, are on sale now.